Andromeda Galaxy (M31)

[Davide Simonetti]

This is a shot I've wanted to try for years. It's an experiment in taking guided shots with an EQ mount and an assembly of lenses to get a focal length of 400mm which is perfect for framing this object. All in all, I'm quite pleased with the result.

53 x 2 minute exposures at 400mm f8 - 400 ISO (1 hour and 46 minutes)
22 x dark frames
23 x flat frames
20 x bias/offset frames (subtracted from flat frames only)

Captured with APT
Guided with PHD2
Processed in Nebulosity and Photoshop

Equipment:
Skywatcher EQ5 Mount
Orion 50mm Mini Guide Scope
ZWO ASI120 MC imaging and guiding camera
Canon 500D DSLR
Takumar 70-20mm lens with x2 TeleConverter

[Rodd]

The core is looking pretty nice

[Layton]

Great shot.  Wish I could do so well.